UNESCO Celebrity Advocates congratulate the Director-General on his re-election

21-10-2005 9:00 am On 21 October 2005, at the closing session of the 33rd UNESCO General Conference, UNESCO’s Celebrity Advocates gathered together to welcome the second term of mandate of Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, who has served as UNESCO Director- General since 1999.During the closing session of the General Conference and the investiture ceremony of the re-elected Director-General at UNESCO Headquarters, Jean Michel Jarre, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, spoke on behalf of the UNESCO Celebrity Advocates on stage who paid tribute to Mr Matsuura: UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors Marianna Vardinoyannis and Miguel Angel Estrella, and UNESCO Artists for Peace Countess Setsuko Klossowska de Rola, Maria Berenson and Chico Bouchikhi.

In his speech, Mr Jarre extended his warm congratulations to Mr Matsuura and acknowledged the progress and achievements made under his leadership. “UNESCO is very lucky to have a Director-General like you with your experience and wisdom, and I think in the four years to come you have all the opportunities to develop all those programmes which are the bedrock of UNESCO’s work for our children for future generations. At UNESCO, we are really building bridges between societies. We assure you we will be behind you and do all we can to put our energies at your disposal in order to help you in this task.” Mr Jarre concluded by saying: “The sun is the symbol of your country of origin and may the same sun shine throughout your next four years of work.”

UNESCO Artist for Peace Chico Bouchikhi and his band celebrated Mr Matsuura’s re-election with their cheerful musical performance on stage.